Letter: Grateful for local VA hospital’s care

Like many Americans, my husband and I were concerned and angry to learn of the breakdown of services in several VA hospitals across the U.S. However, I felt compelled to share about our experiences with our VA hospital here in Sioux Falls.

In September 2006, our 41-year-old son, Kyle, learned he had terminal melanoma. Since he had just previously made the decision to leave his full-time employment to return to college full time to complete his degree, he found himself without his previous health care. Since he had served both in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army and Guards, he contacted the VA hospital in Sioux Falls. He learned that he qualified for treatment and care through them. Not only did he receive treatment for his cancer, he was treated with great kindness and respect, and the chaplins also were there for his spiritual needs. We simply can’t say enough about how thankful we continue to be for his treatment up until his death in December 2007.

We in Sioux Falls need to be grateful for our VA hospital and outreach for our veterans and thank them for a job well done. In every instance our son went for treatment or follow up, or anything he needed to do, he was so impressed with their care.